A group of parents and their young children meet every Friday morning during term time from 9:30 to 11:30am at Middle Rasen Church Hall. Just £2 per session. It's a chance to offer support and friendly advice to each other and an opportunity for the children to socialise with other children, play with new toys, do a craft activity and have a sing song. Juice & biscuits are provided for the children and parents have a welcomed mug of tea or coffee. There is a soft baby corner and breastfeeding mothers are made welcome.

Simply put, the group has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and all parents & carers of pre-school children are welcome. . There are plenty of toys for the children to play with and you get a chance for some more grown up chat. For more information contact Gail Lee (885812)

-+++++++++++++++++

Middle Rasen & District Nursery / Pre School

What a busy time we have been having at Nursery. We have said goodbye to our school leavers and the staff wish them all the best at their new schools. We celebrated and said goodbye by taking a trip to Hall Farm Park to see all the animals, we had a great time on the soft play and ended the day with a fantastic tractor & trailer ride to feed the cows some yummy potatoes.

We also held a party at the church hall, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and parents came to see the children being presented with their leavers gifts. We would like to thank the John Wilkinson Trust who enabled us to buy such lovely gifts for the children.

It is now the summer holidays and once again, we are running our holiday club for the whole 6 weeks. We have lots of fun activities and trips going on every day if you would like to book your child in, whether they want something to do, or you just want a quiet trip to the shops or a day to yourself, just give us a ring on 01673 844111 or email middlerasennursery@gmail.com

We are now taking new children for September; we offer 2 year funded places as well as the new government 30 Hours. These are limited, so please get in touch if this is something you are entitled to. You can find all the information on the new 30 hours at www.childcarechoices.co.uk .

Sam Bryan

Middle Rasen School News

A VIKING INVASION -
When starting a new topic, a school invasion is not what is expected, but that is exactly what was seen when Class 4 (years 5 and 6) took part in a Viking day. Children came into school dressed in Viking attire and were treated to a visit from a real life Viking. His name was Ragna (meaning giving advice).

During the day he showed the children his selection of Viking weapons and shields, told them some real Viking stories and held a Viking funeral. Did you know that the word 'Viking' only originated about 150 years ago - the proper name is 'norse' men.

Class 4 also learnt that Vikings were not really very bloodthirsty and during a battle they would often agree with their enemies to turn their axes so that the blunt side was used (less bloodshed on both sides), Commonly a battle was won by the side that could push the hardest with their shields - the strongest side won!!

The sporting calendar is getting busy; the annual course of swimming lessons began with Class 3 (years 3 and 4) heading to Gainsborough for the next 12 weeks, Classes 1 and 2 have been taking part in balance bike lessons and years 5 and 6 recently had the opportunity to play goalball. During goalball, the children had to use their sense of hearing to decide where the ball was as they were blindfolded throughout each game Luckily the balls had bells inside them! This game is veny popular in the Paralympics for people with sight impairments.

Kerry James

Earlier

The excitement of Christmas has left school, and a new year and term has begun. With a new year comes new topics for each class and the children have thrown themselves enthusiastically into these.

Reception children have been learning about space, which has included the opportunity to take part in dressing up for the day, learning about planets in our solar system, experiments about gravity and sending letters to aliens.

Years one and two have jumped back in time for the history topic of evacuees and the home front, with a focus on historical facts and events. Their role-play area is filled with brown suitcases, gas mask boxes and items to take to their evacuation destination; all in the bid to help with story writing and drama.

Magic and spells are filling the class of years 3 and 4 with a focus on the texts of the Harry Potter series. Children will be taking part in a day of witchcraft and wizardry with the opportunity to dress up for the day. They have all been assigned into a house from Hogwarts and are finding the topic magical.

The oldest children in school are extending their knowledge and understanding of the British Empire in a history-based topic. Research has been undertaken using the school's new set of Chromebooks, with displays proudly flying the Union Flag.

The new year also sees a plethora of after school clubs on offer; drama for years 3 and 4, multi sport and street dance for all age groups, badminton, sewing, knitting and the new exciting computer coding club. With all this activity, both pupils and staff will be more than ready for the half term break which begins on Friday 9th February.

EVERY SCHOOL NEEDS ITS FRIENDS

By Linda Patrick

When my daughter joined Middle Rasen Primary School two years ago, like most mothers, I really wanted to play a part in helping her to enjoy her years at the school, not only educationally but also through the many social aspects that the school offers as well. Middle Rasen School is excellent. It is well run, the teachers are so imaginative in how they teach and also are so approachable. And, although a small school, the facilities and activities it offers easily equal all that of a bigger primary school.

At first I believed that the school funded all the extra activities that the children take part in, including swimming lessons and that wonderful trip to the theatre to see the Christmas pantomime. However, after attending the Annual General Meeting in 2009 of the Friends of School Committee I realised that a lot of the costs for the “treats” were actually as a result of fundraising by this hardworking and small group of parents. Some of these 'treats' include - hockey sticks, the coaches for trips and to take the older children swimming, curtain and scenery for the staging, refreshments during the pantomime visit. I felt the least I could do was join the Friends of School and, in a small way, help support and ensure that these treats for my child and all the other children in the school continued. I soon realised that the FOS group also do so much behind the scenes to support the teaching staff of the school.

For 2011 I have agreed to Chair the Friends of School Committee. We are looking to create an exciting programme of social activities during 2011 that will not only be fun for all the family to take part in, but will also raise money for the school. In this way I am playing my part to help ensure that necessary funds are raised to give the children those extra little 'treats'. So, if like me, you have a child at the school, please consider joining the committee. It won't take a lot of your time but it will make a big difference. Our AGM will be at the Red Lion Pub in Market Rasen on 12 th January, 7.30pm. I hope to see you there.

-+++++++++++++++++

Guiding in Middle Rasen

Middle Rasen Rainbows

On Saturday 13th January 6 adults, 9 Rainbows, 10 Brownie my granddaughter enjoyed an afternoon's performance at the Riverhead Theatre in Louth, watching Snow White and the S Dwarfs pantomime. Lots of 'hissing' and 'booing' for the villains, 'ahs' and 'oos' for the fairy and Snow White and lots of laughter. A good time was had by all, and yet again we were thanked by the theatre for such well behaved children. It was our 3rd year of going and I'm sure will be back again next year.

The Rainbows have had a busy half term with lots of activities each week. We have welcomed some new girls and said goodbye to others as they move up to Brownies. We have made calendars, a promise mobile, learnt about our selves, played games, celebrated World Thinking Day, Winnie t Pooh day and Chinese New Year.

Next half term we will finish our Rainbow Roundabout badge - All about Me, make Mother's Day and Easter goodies, enroll our girls and have more fun and laughter.

Karen Gramson

Middie Rasen Rainbows joined up with the Rainbows from Wragby, Market Rasen and Caistor at Rand Farm Park to ail enjoy a Christmas Treat. We visited the reindeer, donkeys, sheep and goats. We saw a nativity in a barn and went through an enchanted wood until we found the Elf Academy. We wrote a letter to Santa, had a ride in his sleigh and then visited Santa in his house. Mrs Claus was busy in the kitchen and when we went into the workshop the elves were still busy making lovely toys. After our tea we ail had a great time in the play barn. A super end to a very busy term.

We said goodbye to 8 rainbows as they moved on to Brownies and said hello to 5 new rainbows. We took part in the Market Rasen Remembrance Sunday Parade, have passed 2 badges and made lots of Christmas crafts.

We are ready for a rest now until January 8th when we start ail over again.

While away the Brownies worked towards their Brownie Holiday, Cooks, Musician and Entertainer badges. Activities included: Hand chimes, cooking biscuits, designing and making costumes and programmes along with cooking their meals and looking after our Holiday Home. The Brownies then showed off their talents at our Talent Show on the Saturday evening.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about Brownies or any other girlguiding section further details are available at: www.girlguiding.org.uk

MIDDLE RASEN & DISTRICT GUIDES

On the 8th January 2018 the Guides learnt about the importance of different communication around the world. We did this by learning about Braille, Morse code, sign language and semaphore. The girls enjoyed creating messages in braille about world peace. Some of the messages they wrote were; 'Let there be no conflict in the world 1 , and 'Make the world a no-war zone'.

Ellie-Mae Myles

In the summer 2017, the 2nd Middle Rasen Guides attended the week long International Guiding and Scouting residential Jamboree,. One of our more senior guides, Floss, was given the opportunity to present the opening and closing ceremony, as the 'Face of Poacher'. This involved introducing over 4000 participants and 5000 leaders into the proceeding week. After the closing ceremony, Floss attended a meet and greet session with the dance troupe, DIVERSITY, which served as an amazing opportunity for Floss. Everyone at 2nd Middle Rasen Guides is proud of the fantastic job that Floss undertook with confidence and grace.

Ellie-Mae Myles

MIDDLE RASEN GUIDES were on camp from the 27 th July to 3 rd August. They all participated in a wide range of activities. These included Para-gliding, Abseiling, Climbing, Gliding, Swimming, Canoeing, Rafting, Hovercraft as well as making items in the crafts area. They returned home on the Saturday morning after thanking their leaders for a wonderful week. Eileen Bedford Middle Rasen Guider - First Aider for the week. Contact details: T: 01673 843421 or M: 07729 115592

RANGER GUIDES IN MIDDLE

The girls at Middle Rasen Rangers have loads of fun choosing and arranging their own activities within the Guiding program. In the last twelve months we have had girls training and completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award (see picture taken near Legsby), some have now moved on to start work on the prestigious gold award whilst we have more now training for their Bronze. We are now fundraising and applying for grants for our own equipment.

They have taken part in a County camp for guiding members their age (14 – 25, call the Senior Section), where they had the opportunity to take part in kayaking, air rifle shooting, archery and Japanese braiding. They have organised an evening's ice skating, a fund raising fashion show, international food tasting and helped run events for the 2 nd Middle Rasen Guides. They have also been to Sheffield arena to see the popular group JLS.

In January they organised a weekend away and one of our girls achieved her Senior Section Holiday Permit by coordinating the arrangements and program for the weekend.

Many of the girls are also training as Young Leaders with Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units in the Market / Middle Rasen area and we have three qualified Young Guiders in more training.

We meet once a fortnight on a Monday and are always open to new members, you can contact us on 07961 970579.

Jeannette Reilly, Ranger Guider.

'GUIDES CENTENERY FINALE'

Val Wright reports

Girl Guiding UK's Centenary Celebrations will conclude with Vision, the grand finale, at 20.10 20/10/2010 (8.10pm on 20th October, 2010). On that day members will reflect on the Centenary year and make pledges about their vision for the future-in guiding and beyond. Middle Rasen Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Y'L's and Guiders will come together with members of Market Rasen Division and reflect on the past year, renew their commitment to guiding and look to the future - creating a vision of what they want in the years to come and pledging to make it happen. Members can tune in and share the moment as a TV broadcast, focusing on girls' pledges for the future and ending with the promise, will be shown on the Community Channel (Sky 539, Freeview 87) from 7.55pm and ending at 8.15pm.

GIRL GUIDES FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS

100 years ago, a small group of courageous girls stepped forward at the 1909 Boy Scouts Rally in Crystal Palace Park and asked its Founder, Robert Baden-Powell for “something for the girls”. The result was the Girl Guides.

Local Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section and Guiders from our local units joined up with members from all over the County, past and present, to celebrate this event in a very modern way by taking a trip to Pleasure Island , Cleethorpes. Everyone had a great day trying out all the rides and watching the shows. Then in the afternoon over 2300 joined together to renew their promise.

Any girls aged 10 years and over are welcome to come along to guides to find out more of what is going on. For more info contact Katie Wright (843658).

TWENTY YEARS OF GUIDES

It was an evening of celebrations at the last meeting of the year for Middle Rasen Guides. Not only were they celebrating Christmas, but also twenty years of Guides in Middle Rasen. Among the invited guests were Sheila Lamming who started the Guide unit, Division Commissioner Mrs Jan Stimpson, and two former guides - Alice and Becky. Both were presented with their Baden Powell certificate, which they had worked for at Guides.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday as Alice and Becky cut the birthday cake. Then Guides and visitors enjoyed the party food, which the girls had provided. Party games were played, and the most original party hat was judged. The evening concluded with the enrolment of two new Guides, and a sad good-bye was said to Guider Katie. However, Linda and the Guides are looking forward to two new Guiders joining them in the New Year. when an exciting programme of meetings will start on Monday 11th January at 6.30pm.

EARLY YEARS OF GUIDING

Alice Hodgson looks back at the humble beginnings of the Girl Guides at Barkwith

As Guiding looks forward to celebrating its Centenary next month it is interesting to recall that one of the first ever Patrols was formed at East Barkwith in April 1912. Miss Nora Denny who was the daughter of the local doctor, had been involved with guiding from 1910 and she started with seven girls. They were duly registered at headquarters in October 1912 as the East Barkwith patrol of Baden Powell Girl Guides with the certificate signed by Agnes Baden- Powell and the first six girls made their promise on November 1 st 1912.

A jumble sale was held to raise some funds and made £6.0.6 and the shopping list for the first camp held at Mablethorpe includes coal 1s 2d (5p), paraffin 9d, candles4d and beef 4s 2d (40p). Each guide contributed 3s 6d for the week, Miss Pike and ‘Mother' each gave 5s (25p) and Dr Denny paid the rent for the cottage they stayed in £1 10s (£1.50). The shared transport for the first stage of the journey to Louth to catch the train involved taking turns to ride with Mrs Denny in her tub trap and Mrs Duckering with her pony and dog cart or on the two bicycles, returning the same way.
The Rev'd Ferry gave them the use of a room at the Rectory for meetings and Mrs Smithson gave a big hearth rug and lent a table and tablecloth. They also had a lamp, camp stools and a fireguard and the girls, worked for dairy and sick nurse badges and took part in a competition with Horncastle guides in first aid, signalling and cooking. A committee meeting was held at Barkwith House in March 1914 and the first report recorded there were then ten guides and they had sent parcels of garments and dressed dolls to Dr Barnardo's Homes at Christmas 1912 and 1913. Letters were also sent to a little invalid girl in Newcastle each week with a doll at Christmas and a parcel of toys when at camp all subscribed by them. No camp was held in 1915 due to the war and it was difficult keeping the Company in existence as there was no one to help them when Miss Denny was absent nursing. In November 1915 Dorothy Barwick gained the War Service Badge. Miss Denny went to live in Vancouver later where she set up a private school with her friend but she retained her interest in guiding and took the idea of white haversacks to her guides in Canada. The Red Cross ordered them to remove the red crosses during the war. Miss Denny also kept in touch with friends in East Barkwith until her sight failed.

Miss Denny with the first Patrol 1914 outside Barkwith House

The Barkwith Group of parishes was formed in 1960 and cub, scout, brownie and guide units were again set up by the Rev Tony Simpson and helpers with the Barkwith Guide Unit registered in June 1967. It eventually moved to Wragby when most of the girls were travelling from the town and when new leaders wanted Wragby to have a unit of its own, the name was changed and the 1 st Barkwith title was adopted by a new unit formed at Donington on Bain. Sadly it did not survive long as there were not enough girls or leaders to retain interest and to keep the old patrol going.

The FISDAC Academy

Normally the club runs every Sunday during term time at Middle Rasen Village Hall. There are spaces for new participants at the weekly Street Dance, Cheerleading or Multi-Sports classes. To book a place ring Jenny or Ian on 07875246427, email info@fisdac.co.uk , or visit their website "www.fisdac.co.uk" for times and prices.

Karate

LEARNING THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE

Beth Havercroft reports on Middle Rasen's Karate Club

Having joined the Karate Club, that meets at Middle Rasen Village Hall on Friday nights from 6.30 till 8pm, just over a year ago, Beth Havercroft is now on her orange (3 rd grade) belt. It is club that is open to anyone from age 5 upwards and has a growing number of members who not only want to learn self defense but have also found it helps with self discipline as well as being great fun. Beth says, “It also keeps you fit and healthy. You will learn everything from stances to punches, to blocks and kicks. But don't think it's just a fitness club, I have also been learning a bit of Japanese and meeting new friends. As well as helping to keep children off the streets, it's a great way to finish off the week”.

Middle Rasen Karate Club Beth Karate group in action

The club is part of the worldwide group GO-KAN-RYU Karate. All its instructors are CRB checked and Middle Rasen club is run by local instructors Kim and Maria Carter. The regional instructor is ‘Sensei' James Davie, who co-ordinates all the local clubs in the area. If you are interested in joining then please do contact him first on 07659124950, who will then arrange for someone to visit you in your home and explain what the club is about, including its charges. Currently there is a one off Lifetime registration fee of £49 which covers things like insurance. After that each session costs £6. There are concessions if more than one family member joins. A karate gi (suit) is just under £25. Friday evenings in the village hall click here